Journal of Interdisciplinary Educational Studies

Students' Perspective on Quality Assurance Practices: A Case of Private Sector University in District Lahore

Mubashara Akhtar — 2025-03-31

This paper explores students' perspectives on quality assurance (QA) practices at a private sector university in district Lahore. Guided by an interpretivist paradigm and a phenomenological approach, the research targeted postgraduate students (M.Phil. and Ph.D.) from the four departments under the Faculty of Social Sciences. Using purposive sampling, ten participants (6 female and 4 male) were selected to provide in-depth insights into the awareness, effectiveness, and areas for improvement of QA practices. Semi-structured interview was developed as a primary data collection tool, with questions validated by two experts’ opinions. The interview protocol was finalized accordingly. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze data pertaining to students’ awareness regarding QA practices and recognizing the role of the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) in curriculum development, faculty evaluation, and feedback mechanisms. Students highlighted the importance of transparent, timely feedback response mechanisms and advocated for increased representation in decision-making processes. The respondents’ suggestions were organizing workshops and seminars, and a more inclusive feedback culture to empower students in QA practices. Key areas identified for improvement were enhancing trust in feedback systems, addressing students’ fears of reprisal, and fostering critical thinking, and communication skills among students. Findings underline the need for greater student engagement and awareness in QA practices to bridge gaps in satisfaction and ensure alignment with academic and administrative goals. The study offers actionable insights for the university to refine QA systems, promoting a collaborative and student-centered approach to continuous improvement.

BRAIN-DRAIN MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF UNIVERSITIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Mubashara Akhtar — 2025-03-31

The main objective of this research was to determine the relationship between brain-drain management and the development of universities in the 21st century. Poor quality of life, condition of service, and research facilities, each of these factors pose substantial challenges to the efficient administration and development of universities. A sample of 400 participants was purposively chosen from public universities in Nigeria. This study adopts a quantitative (descriptive) research design. The hypotheses were tested using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. The findings revealed that poor quality of life, condition of service, and research facilities have a close and positive relationship with the development of universities. It was recommended that the Government should provide a good quality of life for academics and other employees to enhance the positive mental health and wellness of lecturers and students. Also, the government should provide good conditions of service for academics as this would play a crucial role in attracting and retaining highly qualified and experienced workers. Additionally, the government should provide adequate and appropriate research facilities to academics to enable academics to conduct cutting-edge research and engage students in meaningful learning experiences, promoting innovation, advancement of knowledge, and academic excellence.

Collaborative Managerial Roles of AEOs and its Impact on the School Performance at Elementary Level in the Punjab

Mubashara Akhtar — 2025-03-31

The purpose of the research paper was to explore the collaborative managerial roles of Assistant Education Officers (AEOs) and its impact on the performance of elementary level public schools in the Punjab. Qualitative design was applied and all stakeholders including i.e, CEO, and DEOs were interviewed individually and in depth Focus Group Discussions with Deputy DEOs, AEOs, head teachers and teachers of all public sector primary and elementary schools were conducted to dig out the facts. Respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The thematic analysis indicated moderate level impact of collaborative managerial roles on school performance. Hence, all stakeholders including Assistant Education Officers, heads and teachers should take ownership, responsibility and employ more efforts to enhance school performance

Innovative Approaches to Assessing Early Literacy Skills: Exploring Effective Strategies for Young Learners in the Digital Age

Muhammad Abu Bakr — 2025-03-31

Cultivating Detached Elites: National Identity and Citizenship in Elite School Textbooks in Pakistan

Mubashara Akhtar — 2025-04-09

This study explores how national identity is presented in 13 elite Pakistani school history textbooks by examining micro-components of national identity. Findings reveal striking disparity in fostering national identity, presenting a shallow understanding of the country's history and moral values, lacking discursive devices to connect learners with the "imagined community." Textbooks introduce constitutional principles and political institutionalization in a dissociated and idealized manner, contributing to obliviousness of Pakistan's civic culture among the privileged youth. They focus largely on ancient history and heritage, failing to cover current issues and achievements. The textbooks encourage passive or obedient citizenship, serving elites' interests by perpetuating existing social and political structure. There should be a dedicated effort to align national and global perspectives, supported by a progressive, humanistic approach to foster enlightened citizenship and a vibrant, functional Pakistan cherishing diversity and harnessing youth idealism.

Mapping the Research Methodology in Pakistani Educational Journals: Trends, Gaps, and Future Directions

Mubashara Akhtar — 2025-03-31

This study comprehensively analyzes the research methods and methodologies used in articles published in academic research journals in Pakistan. Content analysis was chosen as the research methodology for this study because it is ideal for analyzing large-scale data, identifying patterns and trends, and providing insights into the research landscape in Pakistan. A systematic content analysis of PhD dissertations and journal articles published between (2005 – 2014) was conducted to identify dominant trends and patterns in education research in Pakistan over the past decade. Results show a strong bias toward quantitative methods, including non-experimental designs, probability sampling techniques, and a predominance of survey research. However, the study also revealed important limitations, including a lack of systematic empirical research, insufficient use of qualitative and mixed methods, and poor practice of reference methods. Most studies show a narrow perspective, failing to examine social structures and power dynamics critically. The findings of this study highlight the need for a more comprehensive, standardized, and in-depth methodology in educational research in Pakistan to address complex social and educational issues effectively. The findings have implications for researchers, policymakers, and educators seeking to increase the quality and impact of educational research in Pakistan.